Celebrating 30 years of service professionals whose dedication set the national benchmark for the F&B industry and inspire excellence
5 November 2024, Singapore – The Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) announced today the Superstar title winner of the Excellent Service Award (EXSA) 2024, marking the Award’s 30th anniversary of celebrating the sterling performance of outstanding service employees of Singapore’s vibrant F&B industry. Held at Singapore Management University’s (SMU) Yong Pung How School of Law, the national event was graced by the presence of Guest of Honour Ms Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, and industry leaders and key F&B players.
This year, EXSA achieved a milestone by receiving over 3,200 nominations from 34 companies – the highest in the award’s history. This record reflects the growing recognition of exceptional service in the industry and the commitment of F&B establishments to uphold service excellence as its hallmark. In total, 661 recipients were awarded the Star award, 739 received the Gold award, and 1,488 received the Silver award, showcasing the dedication and achievements of Singapore’s service professionals.
Ms Low presented the Superstar title award to Mr Vedamuthu Rex Kulandairaj from Jack’s Place, a member of the JP Pepperdine Group. The winner was selected from nine finalists who uphold the highest standards of service excellence in the F&B sector. In total, there were 25 nominations for the coveted Superstar accolade, representing diverse F&B establishments in Singapore this year.
The other eight finalists, who were also present at the Award presentation ceremony, earned their honours by bringing unique backgrounds and inspiring stories of dedication and passion. They were cited and honoured for going above and beyond to deliver memorable experiences for diners:
1. Ms Looh Hui Ching, Dian Xiao Er, Dian Xiao Er Group Pte Ltd
2. Mr Premkumar Ganesan, Kinki Restaurant + Bar, Commonwealth Concepts Pte Ltd
3. Ms Nilam Nurdhaniah Binte Alec, The Marmalade Pantry Petite, Commonwealth Concepts Pte Ltd
4. Ms Rumiyati Binte Razali, McDonald’s® Singapore, Hanbaobao
5. Ms Er Jue Hui, McDonald’s® Singapore, Hanbaobao
6. Ms Teoh Pei Yee, Soup Restaurant, Soup Restaurant Singapore Pte Ltd
7. Ms Mok Piak Noi, Sushi Tei, Sushi-Tei, Singapore
8. Mr Aristhotel De Leon Castro, Starbucks, Starbucks Coffee Singapore Pte Ltd
Established in 1994, the Excellent Service Award (EXSA) is a prestigious national award that recognises individuals who have delivered exceptional, quality service and demonstrated a commitment to excellence. The award holds a prominent place in the annual calendar of Singapore’s F&B industry, paying tribute to service staff who provide exemplary service and setting high standards for the industry’s workforce. RAS is one of six Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) that administer the EXSA programme, underscoring its standing as a respected national initiative dedicated to cultivating a culture of service excellence.
EXSA aims to establish industry-wide standards for the F&B workforce, fostering service champions and encouraging talent development within the industry by showcasing inspiring achievements. The award is a crucial national platform that celebrates and recognises service staff’s dedication to creating outstanding dining experiences. This recognition reinforces connections between employers and employees, establishes standards of excellence, and promotes a positive workplace culture built on commitment, dedication, and exceptional service.
30 Years of EXSA’s Impact on Singapore’s Global Dining Reputation
In Singapore’s highly competitive F&B industry, quality service is crucial to providing excellent dining experiences that reinforce Singapore’s reputation as an international culinary & dining hub.
Recognising excellent service professionals inspires players and the workforce in the F&B industry to aim higher and sets the national benchmark for employee engagement, development, retention, and satisfaction. On its 30thanniversary this year, the Award continues to epitomise the quality service pledge and professionalism that define Singapore’s F&B sector, serving as role models for excellence.
